Historical information

These trousers are part of a Disruptive Pattern Combat Uniform issued by the Australian Airforce to Bernard Farley during service. This uniform type was used in base and field activities and was replaced in 2014 by the General Purpose Uniform as the uniform worn during general base duties and in non-warlike environments.

Significance

This item has social significance, as an item of uniform worn by Warrnambool RSL community member and Secretary (2019), Bernard Farley during service with the Australian Airforce. The item is a representative example of previously standard issue Airforce uniform and is in excellent condition. As a set, the uniform has aesthetic significance in it’s design, incorporating the Disruptive Pattern style of camouflage which has its roots in the 1980s and continues to be adapted into uniform design by the Defence Force.

Physical description

Disruptive Pattern trousers in five colours of green and brown. Long pants with elasticised drawstring fastener at ankle and velcro adjustment fasteners at the waist. Pants take a straight leg style and bears several pockets: two thigh level pockets with zippered horizontal opening, two open hip pockets on the front, one open pocket on the reverse right hand side with blue plastic button fastener. Five large belt loops encircle the waist and there is a zippered fly, secured at the top with a blue plastic button.

Inscriptions & markings

Label on interior front right of trousers reads: “A13/ADA/VICTORIA 2008/(broad arrow)/SPECIFICATION ARMY (AUST)6542/NSN: 8415 66 152 1059/SIZE: 95 S/NAME/SERVICE NO/75% COTTON 25% POLYESTER/WARM MACHINE WASH 40*C/RINSE WELL, WARM IRON/DO NOT IRON OVER HOOK AND PILE/DO NOT BLEACH/DO NOT STARCH/MAY BE TUMBLE DRY 40*C/MADE IN AUSTRALIA”
The name “FARLEY” is also handwritten on the back interior waist band of the trousers.